BRING IT ON!!!Finally, the first race of the season is almost here. Seems like ages since we had a hit out on the club course. It will be interesting to see who has been working hard over the off-season and who is using this as a starting point. Don’t forget that there are no registrations on the day and everyone must be registered by noon on Saturday. The race will kick off at 6:30am sharp, so please racked and ready to go by 6:15am. Anyone on duty should have received notification from DutyMan by now. If not, please go to the Duty Roster page on our website at http://www.coffstri.com/duty-roster.html. See you at the Jetty on Sunday!

TIME TO GO!By Andrew Rowlings

What a great time of the year! Starting to warm up; longer daylight hours; body beginning to come out of hibernation mode; and another Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club season is about to get underway.

Yep, everything kicks off from 6.30am this Sunday.

Although we have athletes racing around country, and around the globe, it is the 16 races conducted for club members that really take centre stage for those of us based around Coffs Harbour. Each year it is interesting to see how the racing evolves, and which individuals take the next step and begin to make inroads into their handicap. Season 2014-2015 is no different, and there are sure to be many reaping the rewards of a diligent off-season working on both fitness and technique.

For the majority, this Sunday's race is their fist hitout, and an opportunity to compare directly with their results from previous years.

What can we expect? Who do we look at as big improvers?

As in the past few years the males will all be chasing Richard Pearson, with most of us probably a full run lap behind when he crosses the line. Although we may not see him at his best - rested, tapered and in top gear - I still expect he will set a new course record as his development continues. Can he get around in 54 minutes before season's end?

Probably the only other male who can consistently break the hour will be Clint Rowlings, depending on long course commitments and how the post-Ironman fat-factor impacts on his body shape.

Both Leighton Rogan and Marcus O'Brien can put together a sub-60min race when in top form, so should not be discounted.

The honour of leading lady looks to be wide open. With Amy Sutton moving north, Zoe Burgess and Tenielle Stubbs rightly focussing on their Year 12 studies, there is a host of names who can consistently lead the girls home.

Look for improvement from Brianna Rooney, while Jen Howle has shown she is capable of putting together a good race. Should Melissa Bulloch elect to compete consistently, she will always be a threat. Throw in Sarah Brazenor, Christine LeFeaux, Karen Masson, Lisa Alford and Hadley Black along with 3-4 other contenders.

It is not only the faster competitors who come under notice, with many members looking to work their way higher up the result sheet and drop their handicaps accordingly.

Then there is always the newcomers, the faces we have some only rarely or not at all. There are sure to be some well credentialled athletes that can make things interesting. Alison Howle is one name to look out for, with a strong swim and run combination that will have her very competitive.

The junior athletes will always make progression from year to year as they get stronger and develop physically. Last year Sam Burke was a standout, but will be tested by newcomer Isiah Koopmans.

Both are excellent swimmers and have good run speed. End of season success will be dominated by which of the pair is the first to take their bike leg more seriously. Tim Martin will keep both boys honest.

It is great to speculate on who will excel in the months ahead, but it is all guesswork. Until we hit the race course, everyone is in the same group... keen to race, wanting to improve, but unsure how they will go.

This Sunday, and then the following weekend in Woolgoolga, will give a good insight into what we can expect over our summer racing season.

Good luck to all.

WOOPI TRI FESTIVALDon't miss out on some good value, local, community-based fun on 27th and 28th of September.

As if that isn’t enough….join us at Bluebottles Brasserie 6pm on the Saturday night for 3 choices of pizza/pasta/garlic bread for $20. Gotta love a carb loading event!! Bookings are essential and numbers are limited. Call 6654 1962 to register your attendance.

The race organisers can always use more volunteers, so if you can help out please contact Leeann on 0416 336 524.

TOUR DE CURE CYCLING JERSEYS & KNICKS $25Sinclair Black will be selling Tour de Cure Cycling jerseys and knicks at the Club race this Sunday.

These are high quality Champion System gear for $25 a piece (normally $110). CASH only.

BOB WALLIS CYCLES 2015 MODEL BIKE LAUNCH & DEMO BIKE DISPLAYBarry Rix from Bob Wallis would like to invite CHTC members to view the launch of their 2015 bike models & a demo bike display of Trek cycles. Barry has sent us this invitation:

“The Trek Demo Trailer is arriving with some very nice road and mountain bikes on board. To show off these bikes and some of our 2015 Trek range we are having a bike launch at Artisti Cafe on Tuesday 23rd September from 6.00 to 8.00pm. There will be beer, wine and canapés with lots of shiny new bikes to check out. We are lucky to have the Demo Trailer for at least three weeks so there will be lots of opportunity for you to organise a ride on one or all of the different models including the exciting new Emonda SLR 9 with Dura Ace Di2 electronic shifting.

The bikes will be available each day, at this stage road demos will be done from Bob Wallis Cycles, mountain bikes can be picked up from the shop and I will also organise some mountain bike days of a weekend and take the bikes out to our local trails. Even if you are not in the market for a new bike it is a great chance to ride the latest technology and some awesome bikes.

If you wish to come to the bike launch at Artisti Cafe could you please text me on 0407 918 227 to help with catering numbers. Everyone attending the launch will also be entered into the draw to win an Electra Cruiser Bicycle which is on display at Artisti. Bob Wallis Cycles are now a dealer for Electra Bicycles which was recently purchased by the Trek Bicycle Company. I look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces at the launch.”

CHTC CLASSIFIEDS

Adam Shand has a bike for sale. See attached photos. It is a 2012 Specialised Allez 52 that has barely been ridden. The price is $850. Contact Adam on 0407 911 362.

9th November 2014. Challenge events are generally more low-key than Ironman events, and this one set in beautiful Forster will give you chance to practice for Club Championships! http://challengeforster.com.au/